Chronograph Basics

The mechanical chronograph is perhaps the most recognizable addition to be seen on a watch since the late 60’s. It is also one of the least understood. The chronograph is simply a stopwatch integrated into a wristwatch.

The first things you’ll notice about chronographs are the extra subdials and the buttons, or pushers, along the side of the case.

These pushers start, stop, and reset the timing function, while the rest of the watch runs as usual.Press of the top pusher brings the chronograph dials to life, starting with the long, centered seconds hand. Every trip that hand makes around the dial will be recorded in one of the sub dials, so one doesn’t have to watch and count the number of times it passes Go.